INTERVIEW TO ERIDU (Germany) by Metal Music Clan (English version)

The flame and the legacy of ancient Mesopotamia awaken with the force of Extreme Metal.
You can already enjoy in Metal Music Clan an interview with the Germans ERIDU, brutal melodic Black / Death Metal band from Munich inspired by the archaic town of the god Enki and the civilization born between the Tigris and the Euphrates.
ERIDU also presents us with his recent work "Lugalbanda" (2019), which will transport you to the days of the Sumerian gods. Without more, we leave you with Enki's words.


1.Welcome ERIDU to Metal Music Clan. Could you tell us a bit about the history of the band and why did you decide the name Eridu? When and where start Eridu?

Thanks to the clan for having us. We formed in 2017 as the successor band to Gilgamesh from Munich.
If I personally think of the Word "Eridu" the first things coming onto my mind are the dusty deserts of Iraq, ziggurat terrace temples and the ancient roots of mesopotamian culture.

Eridu was one of the earliest cities in mesopotamia and also the home of its patron god Enki.
This was also fitting to the pseudonym I adapted through the last years.
So the name "Eridu" was a proper choice.

Eridu started after my split from Gilgamesh. I wanted to do another album after Gilgamesh's "The Awakening" (2014). But there wasn't the plan for any live concerts at that time.

However it turned out a bit different so here we are. We played our first live concerts in 2018 and it's continuing to happen.

2.Which is the current line-up of the band? Could you do a brief presentation of the members?

All musicians playing in Eridu are known for playing in other bands within the Munich/Bavaria based death- and blackmetal scene, which I really would like to recommend.

Ishkur – Drums (Empyreal)
Martu – Bass (Combustion)
Zahak – Rhythm Guitar (Hailstone)
Azag – Lead Guitar (Amplified Memory)
Enki – Vocals, Composition (ex Gilgamesh)

3.Present us your recent great album "Lugalbanda" (2019). What can we find in this work?


Lugalbanda is a concept album about the eponymous mesopotamian king and father of Gilgamesh. Throughout the album the listener is guided through various Lugalbanda-related mesopotamian epics, translated from cuneiform.

It starts in his early years serving as a simple soldier in the army of Uruk. Near-death experience, magic, myths, war and rituals are the subjects defining the framework of this album. In the end the titletrack, Lugalbanda, finishes the record with his selftitled royal Obituary.

4.What are your inspirations to write music and lyrics?. Why a band inspired by Mesopotamian  mythology?

My interest in ancient mesopotamian culture leads back to the first time I read the Epic of Gilgamesh a long time ago.

I enjoyed it so much, that from this point on I used to read a lot to gain knowledge and comprehension for the sumerian epochs.

The fascination of the subject is maybe due to the fact, that the archaeology of this time describes the earliest attempt to walk for human civilization.

I enjoy painting a picture in ones mind by creating a certain atmosphere. In this case the motive I like to paint is the image of the ancient mesopotamian civilization seen through my eyes.

5. How about your concerts? Talk to us a bit about your concerts and live experiences?

Extreme metal is always an extreme and sweaty business to perform, especially for our drummer
who has to blast at 250 bpm  (in The Bewitching of Sumer).

But of course we feel a lot of release and pleasure to transfere the energy of the songs to a live audience.

6. Please.Could you give us a brief explanation about the next lyrics of ERIDU "Lugalbanda"?:

-Inanna's Favour: Referring to the duality between Uruk's King Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta.

-Enmerkar: Enmerkar sends a threat to the Lord of Aratta.
He's going to war with Lugalbanda serving in his army.

-Slaves of Eridu: A song about the agonies of slavery.

-The Cavern: Lugalbanda faces a near-death experience.

-Herald of Heaven: The gods designate Lugalbanda to their herald on earth.

-Astral Warfare: Lugalbanda witnesses a celestial phenomenon.
It's said to be about spirits fighting in the sky.

-The Siege of Aratta: Enmerkar and Lugalbanda besiege the city of Aratta.

-Hymn for Utu: Short interlude dedicated to the sun god who was said to be Enmerkars father.

-The Bewitching of Sumer: Aratta is finally taken with the help of the wise woman of Uruk.

-Lugalbanda: Obituary for Lugalbanda.

7.Have you any website for info, merchandising,etc??Where can we get your stuff?

Check out our official social media channels on:

facebook.com/eriduofficial/

instagram.com/eriduofficial/

To buy our stuff go to:

eridu.bigcartel.com or
eriduofficial.bandcamp.com

Thanks to everyone out there supporting us in our art!

8.Please, give us a opinnion about the next Words:

-Mitology: Simple but formerly very useful to explain the world. Archaeological gold.

-Nature: The thing humanity belongs to. Not the other way round.

-Recent attacks in the east against the Mesopotamian cultural heritage: That's what happens, when those take over who have forgotten their true roots.

-Metal music: Extremly powerful and diverse. A stronghold for freedom of speech and rebellion against establishment in many countries.

9.Recommend us:

-A book: Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy

-A film: Heavy Trip / Hevi reissu (2018). Simply hilarious.


9.Future plans for ERIDU?

Playing gigs, having a great time, meet old and new friends and blast the stages wherever we may roam.


10-Something to add to the readers or editors of METAL MUSIC CLAN??

Don't fail to support oriental metal whenever possible. Hails to Scarab, Maat and Crescent!

Thanks for the interview and keep up the good work! Cheers, Enki.